Thursday, August 15th, 2024
Today, the Joy Brigade visited Las Delicias in Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortez, a vibrant community of about 500 residents spread across 200 adobe homes. The day was particularly special as it marked Honduran Independence Day, and we were warmly welcomed by a lively parade of local children.
Our team's visit included an emotional home visit where we met a woman suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome, paralyzed from the arms down due to complications during pregnancy. Thanks to the Friends of Barnabas Foundation, she receives daily physical therapy to assist with mobility. This visit was a poignant reminder of the impact of ongoing support and the power of community.
Billy, who had visited Las Delicias last year, had a heartwarming reunion with a little girl named Genisis. Last year, Genisis had eagerly assisted with fluoride treatments and nearly received a cross from Billy. This time, Billy brought a new cross bracelet for her, a gesture that deeply touched both him and Genisis.
Alex, initially overwhelmed by the influx of patients, found a little assistant who helped manage the crowd. This young helper became a guardian of the door, and in gratitude, Alex gave him her cross. Alex also had a deeply fulfilling experience praying over a bedridden woman during a home visit, finding it a significant blessing.
Robyn, dealing with frequent cases of constipation, remembered Lidia’s mention of Moringa, a tree with many nutritional properties. Robyn is determined to cultivate Moringa and share its benefits with the community, addressing a vital health issue.
Teresa confronted a distressing case involving a three-year-old with severe worm infestations. After the mother watched the girl lose consciousness and expel numerous worms, Teresa provided essential antibiotics to aid in her recovery, a significant relief for the child and her mother.
Lindsay found joy in connecting with the locals by giving away her cross to an elderly lady and helping a young boy repair his broken necklace. The boy was fascinated by Lindsay’s “Jesus Loves You” bracelet, which she ultimately gifted to him, deepening his connection to the message.
Marc had the challenging task of extracting a six-year-old’s baby tooth, a rare procedure for such a young patient. To comfort him, Marc gave the boy a prayer rock inscribed with the word “courage,” which the boy held tightly during the procedure.
John assisted a man who had been kicked in the head by a cow, causing significant mobility issues. Through careful attention, John helped him regain the ability to walk, demonstrating resilience and hope amidst adversity.
Cate found joy in playing soccer with the children and staff, and she also connected with a 10-year-old boy with a disability, sharing stickers and spreading positivity.
Katie, who also enjoyed playing soccer, met a young soccer star named Alex and had the chance to see a baby born with six toes. She connected with the mother, showcasing the deep engagement of our team with the community.
Reeves, recognizing the mental strength of a man injured by a cow, chose to give him his cross, a symbol of encouragement and support during his recovery.
Yolanda provided critical assistance to a mother with multiple children, including a son experiencing heart issues. Yolanda was able to provide a referral, offering hope for the child’s health.
Louisa gave pocket quilts to two mothers, each with four children, and connected with a set of twins. One twin was particularly drawn to her, highlighting the personal connections fostered during our visit.
Shirley’s compassion shone through as she offered a cross to Jamie, a woman with a concerning lump on her breast, and provided a referral for further examination. She also helped a little boy with a bent finger, ensuring he received appropriate care.
April, gaining confidence in measuring blood pressure, connected with a woman who complimented her hair. They discovered a shared connection through their daughters, Sarah and Sarahi, adding a personal touch to her day.
Each day brings new opportunities to make a difference and deepen our bonds with the communities we serve. Stay tuned for more updates from our journey.
Comments